Jacob Robinson of LaPlace may be only 8, but he’s already a seasoned Hollywood veteran. The third grader at Louisiana Connections Academy first studied acting at John Robert Powers in Metairie. Since then, he has landed parts in national TV commercials and major films. This year, he won parts in the films, “Monkey’s Paw” and “13 Sins,” and starred in the widely-popular AT&T “Brackets by Six Year Olds” commercials.

“We’re proud of Jacob, as we are of all our students,” said Principal Caroline Wood. “Virtual schools can be a great alternative for lots of different kinds of students - whether they’re ahead or behind their peers, have learning challenges, are pursuing athletics or an acting career, like this wonderful young man.”

Jacob said he has a passion for acting. “I enjoy acting and will continue to do it after I graduate,” he said.

Having a busy schedule filled with auditions, commercial shoots, and movie roles proved to be difficult for Jacob and his family as he tried to juggle his activities while still enrolled in a traditional school. Realizing traditional school was no longer an option, Jacob's parents enrolled him with Louisiana Connections Academy, a K-12 virtual public charter school open to students statewide.

Wood said virtual public schools like Louisiana Connections Academy deliver public education in the comfort of the student’s home or where ever he or she have a computer and Internet link.

Like public schools, Louisiana Connections Academy is tuition-free. State-certified teachers deliver a curriculum that correlates to state standards. Assisting the student in day-to-day activities is an adult Learning Coach, who is typically a parent, such as Jacob’s mom, Brandi Robinson. The teacher works directly with both the student and Learning Coach to develop an individual learning plan, provide instruction, and evaluate assignments.

Jacob currently splits time living in California and Louisiana as he receives acting lessons from two acting coaches. He also takes dance classes and is a competitive swimmer. His schedule will get even busier this fall when his movie, “Monkey’s Paw” will debut in Los Angeles and New York where Jacob plans to walk the red carpet.

“We once went to an audition in Canton, Miss. and were still able to participate in all of Jacob’s weekly classes due to Louisiana Connections Academy’s flexibility, so doing Los Angeles and New York is a piece of cake,” Brandi said.

As his acting career blossoms, Jacob looks forward to continuing to pursue his dreams while still being able to enjoy life as a student. “I enjoy that I can film my roles and still have time to attend class and participate in school activities,” he said.